Catalans Dragons' battle to avoid relegation from Super League has been dealt a blow with the season-ending suspension of loose forward Greg Bird.

Bird has been given a four-match ban for a dangerous throw on winger Ben Heaton during his side's 24-0 win over Halifax in the Super 8s Qualifiers on Monday.

The former NRL star pleaded guilty at the Rugby Football League tribunal but challenged the severity of the charge.

Bird had, earlier in the season, been the victim of a cowardly act himself, when he was set upon while unconcious.

Bird will miss the Dragons' three remaining Super 8s fixtures, plus the Million- Pound Game if his club is involved.

Hull will be without skipper Gareth Ellis for their crucial Wembley rematch with Wigan on Friday after he was given a one-match ban for a dangerous tackle on Leeds' Stevie Ward.

The veteran back-row forward, who was sin-binned for the offence, submitted an early guilty plea and will sit out Friday's Super 8s clash.

Third-placed Hull, who need to beat the fifth-placed Warriors to keep alive their bid for a play-off semi-final, will also be without winger Steve Michaels after he was given a one-match ban for striking.

Leeds will be without scrum-half Rob Burrow for Friday's game at Castleford after submitting an early guilty plea for headbutting Hull's Jake Connor.

Leigh stand-off Ben Reynolds was given a one-match ban for tripping while Halifax half-back Ben Johnson and Widnes youngster Danny Walker avoided further punishment for similar but less-severe offences.